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Try This Challenge To Help You Be A More Mindful Parent

Being a parent is definitely one of the most challenging jobs there is. Not only are you totally responsible for a little human being, you have to keep your children safe, clean up after them and let’s face it: your patience is tested. Every. Single. Day.

But what if there was a magic fairy who could grant you wishes of enjoying a relaxing day without any hassle?

Unfortunately, there isn’t. But there are a few things you can do that can make your days a bit better.

Do this parents’ challenge. It requires you to do at least one thing every day for 14 days. And it will remind you during those times when you feel like you’re going to explode, that your children are amazing miracles.

Day 1

Don’t raise your voice – Go the entire day without raising your voice. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but try it. When you feel you need to raise your voice, take a breath and remind yourself that by shouting at your children won’t be of any help.

Day 2

Cook together – Invite your children to cook with you. Sharing the meal prep is a great bonding experience and it can be great fun. Keep it light and fun. Don’t be to strict. Nobody will even realise that the cucumber was cut in little squares rather than wheels.

Day 3

Laugh together – There is no better way to make yourself and others around you feel better than laughing together. Instead of reading a story book together with your children, why not read joke book instead or watch a funny film?

Day 4

Mindful attention – How many times does it happen that your child is talking to you while you’re still doing something else? Put aside what you’re doing, look your child in the eye and actually listen to what they tell you. Look at the way they’re telling their story and ask questions. You’ll be surprised how much you miss by doing something else while “listening” to your child.

Day 5

Treasure hunt of love – Leave love notes for them to find. Everywhere they’ll be going today, leave little notes telling them how much you love them. The last note for the day might be under their pillow with a little chocolate for extra love.

Day 6

Showing love outdoors – With sunnier days awaiting us, take your children for a walk or go outside. Hug them often and show to them, while being outside, that you truly love them.

Day 7

Dance party – Just put on some music and dance. All of you together. Do silly moves and teach some of the steps you did when you were younger to them. Everyone will feel good afterwards.

Day 8

Remember memories – Look at old pictures of your family and relive those precious moments together again.

Day 9

Hug – You can never hug your child too often. Hug them and hold them for a moment telling them how much you love them. Do this a few times throughout the day.

Day 10

No electronics – Put away the mobile phones and iPads. Today you should spend some quality time together. Play boardgames, go to the park, sit and actually have a conversation with one another or do some crafts.

Day 11

One-on-one – Spend some one-on-one time with each of your children. Do something with each one of them that they love doing. Even if it’s baking cookies or playing cards. The household chores can wait.

Day 12

Notice their personality – Spend time with your child in their personal space. Go to their room and play with them there. Notice how they personalised their own space. You might be surprised at how much more you can learn about your child just by looking at their room.

Day 13

Switch roles – Let your child be the parent and you the child – only for an hour. This can be a very eye-opening experience. Afterwards you can talk about your experience and tell each other what was most challenging and what was fun.

Day 14

Your child’s emotions are theirs – Accept that all of your child’s emotions are “theirs”. Don’t interfere or try to correct them. Rather let them experience all of the emotions they’re feeling and talk about it afterwards. Let them try and explain to you why they are reacting like they did and if they act inappropriately, suggest other ways to them on how to deal with their emotions.

What do you think about this challenge? Is it something you'll try? Tell us in the comments below.